io A SPORTING PARADISE 



his flanks, he stands for a moment with turned 

 head, displaying his handsome antlers. Now the 

 crash and snapping twigs announce the approach 

 of a huge black bear, forcing his way through 

 the bush, to quench his thirst in the cool waters 

 of the lake. As I paddle to camp, and turn a 

 sharp bend of the islands, a wild duck, with low 

 agitated flight, hastens with her young brood 

 out of the reach of danger." 



The best time to emigrate to Muskoka,* 

 is April. In order to get a crop in during the 

 first year, one week will be required to select 



* "Muskoka." The origin of this name, as is the case 

 with all names originating from Indian sources, is hidden in 

 mystery, and subject to different opinions. Some assert it 

 is derived from the Indian word " Musquo-tah," signifying 

 " red ground," probably owing to its rusty iron and ochre- 

 coloured sediments, which may be seen in the soils of many 

 of the fields, and around the banks of some of the streamlets ; 

 others, that its meaning is that of the "Clear-sky-land," 

 a worthy description of this sporting paradise. Personally 

 I am of opinion that Muskoka was named after the Miss- 

 asaga chief who used to hunt in this neighbourhood. 

 This chiefs name is spelt sometimes " Mesqua-Okee." 

 He is believed to have been a gallant warrior and a bold 

 hunter, whose renown spread through the surrounding 

 country. The home of his tribe was by the shores of Lake 

 Ontario ; and little was it supposed, when he sought sport 

 and recreation in this inland_ home of game, that he was 

 leading the way for so many others to follbw exactly in his 

 footsteps in our later and modern days. 



